In the heart of Nairobi’s bustling business hub, Two Rivers Mall stands as more than just a shopping destination. It hosts some of Kenya’s leading enterprises. On the eighth floor of this impressive structure, Mical Agina, Company Secretary and Chief Legal Adviser for Centum, leads the charge in legal and tax strategies.
Her office offers a breathtaking view of Nairobi’s expansive skyline, symbolizing the grandeur of the Centum brand—a legacy built by the late visionary businessman Chris Kirubi. Agina’s work has been instrumental in aligning the company’s strategic decisions and governance with Kirubi’s ambitious vision, drawing investors and managing capital effectively.
In her recent interview, Agina shared her incredible journey, one that culminated in her being honored among the world’s top legal professionals. On August 14, 2024, Villa Rosa Kempinski hosted the inaugural Legal 500 General Counsel (GC) Powerlist event, where 130 senior in-house counsels from around the world gathered to celebrate. Among them was Agina, recognized for her exceptional contributions to tax compliance and corporate governance.
The recognition, Agina notes, is a significant honor, reflecting her outstanding achievements. Born in the peaceful village of Gem in Siaya County, her rise from a rural setting to global recognition is an inspiration. Her early years were shaped by a strong family emphasis on education. “Growing up, traditional career paths like becoming a doctor, engineer, or lawyer were highly encouraged,” she recalls. “I initially wanted to be a teacher, but law appealed to me because of its long-term opportunities. The idea of one day becoming a judge or professor intrigued me.”
At 40, Agina wears many hats. “I am a daughter, a mother, a wife, and professionally, I am an advocate of the High Court of Kenya,” she says with a warm smile. Today, she juggles multiple responsibilities at Centum, overseeing legal matters, tax strategies, and corporate governance.
Agina holds a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the University of Nairobi and is a member of various professional bodies, including the Law Society of Kenya and the Institute of Certified Secretaries. Initially interested in a business career, she explains that law won her over after weighing her options with mentors. “I thought of pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce and accounting, but law offered a more versatile path.”
Her academic journey at the University of Nairobi from 2004 to 2008 laid the foundation for her career. After graduation, Agina began her professional life at KPMG, where she spent five years honing her expertise in corporate tax strategy. “KPMG was a great training ground. It exposed me to the complexities of corporate tax and the importance of compliance,” she reflects.
Agina joined Centum in 2014, taking on greater challenges as the company expanded into sectors like real estate, agribusiness, and education. Her role in creating a compliant and tax-efficient structure helped attract investors and manage capital flows.
Her nomination for the Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist was a career-defining moment. “Being named in the GC Powerlist is an immense honor, not only for me but also for Centum and Kenya’s legal sector,” she states proudly. The nomination process is rigorous, involving a detailed review of nominees’ influence on their organizations and the legal field.
Mentorship is also an essential aspect of Agina’s career. She mentors several lawyers and accountants within Centum and engages with external regulatory bodies to ensure governance standards are maintained. Her work in tax compliance stands out, promoting fairness and efficiency within Kenya’s financial systems. “Our approach to tax is not just about meeting regulatory requirements but about setting a higher standard for the business and community,” she says.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Agina is passionate about community service, particularly education. “After high school, I got involved in charity work, using theatre to address social issues like HIV/AIDS and violence against women,” she shares. Today, she works with the Teen Mums Initiative, encouraging young mothers to return to school. “This program resonates with me because it empowers these women to envision brighter futures.”
Agina’s belief in education as a tool for personal and professional growth permeates everything she does. Reflecting on Centum’s recent projects, she notes the broader impact of their work. “When we launched special economic zones, I thought about how many lives would be positively affected by the opportunities created.”
Agina’s journey, from her humble beginnings in Gem to her leadership at Centum, showcases perseverance and adaptability. Her achievements, both in law and community service, continue to inspire. Despite the challenges, such as navigating a complex tax tribunal case with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over a Sh3 billion claim, Agina has remained resilient, successfully overturning KRA’s decision.
Looking ahead, she remains focused on advancing legal practices, particularly in tax compliance, while contributing to the region’s growth. “The legal landscape is always evolving,” she notes. “I aim to continue pushing boundaries in tax and legal compliance, ensuring we maintain high standards that drive progress in Kenya and beyond.”
